Junk Removal in Franklin, NC: What is Recyclable in Macon County?

When it comes to recycling, it’s important to know what can and can’t be recycled. In Macon County, there are a variety of items that can be recycled, and knowing which items are recyclable can help reduce waste and protect the environment. Here’s a rundown of what can be recycled in Macon County, NC:

Corrugated Cardboard:

Corrugated cardboard can be recycled in Macon County,NC but it’s important to make sure that all packaging material is removed from the boxes and that no oily residues, food wastes, or significant quantities of paint are present. Flatten all boxes before placing the cardboard in the designated trailer or recycling roll-off container. If contaminants are found in the cardboard, it could result in the load being rejected, and revenue would be lost to the county.

Newspaper:

Newspapers can be recycled, but it’s important to place them in the designated gaylord boxes in the trailer or in the section of the recycling roll-off container. Do not throw magazines, junk mail or plastic bags in with the newspapers as these are considered contaminants and make the newspaper no longer recyclable.

Mixed Paper:

All other paper, such as magazines, junk mail, cereal and packaged food boxes, school papers, paper towel and toilet paper rolls, shredded office paper, telephone books, paperback and hardback books, and more, can be recycled in the appropriate container.

Plastics:

#1 Plastic (PET or PETE)

If a plastic container has the number 1 inside of the triangle of chasing arrows, then it is recyclable. Soda bottles and water bottles are made of #1 plastic, but they may not always be marked. Baled PET is sold to a plastics recycler to become new drink containers, fleece material for cold weather clothing, microfiber for weaving, and industrial strength carpets.

#2 Plastic (HDPE)

If a plastic container has the number 2 inside of the triangle of chasing arrows, then it is likely recyclable, but there are exceptions to this rule. Milk containers are not typically stamped with the identifying number but are always HDPE. Exceptions to the recyclable rule are margarine tubs, microwave meal dishes, motor oil, and antifreeze bottles, as these have been sprayed with chemicals that make it easier to get the food out of the container or still have oil or antifreeze in them, making them toxic waste.

Glass:

Glass Green, brown, red, clear, and blue glass can be recycled, but please do not mix any of the colors in the containers for recycling, with the exceptions that blue glass goes with clear glass and red glass goes with brown glass. Only recycle glass bottles that have previously been used as a food and beverage container. All glass recycled by Macon County, NC Solid Waste Management is used to make new food and drink bottles. Therefore, only glass which has previously been used as a food or beverage container may be recycled due to the risk of lead poisoning from other types of glass.

Aluminum Cans:

Rinse and flatten aluminum cans before recycling. Do not put aluminum foil, pie pans, oven roaster pans, and other similar items in with the aluminum cans, as these items are not considered to be recyclable despite the aluminum in their name. Large aluminum items should be taken to the County landfill in Franklin or the transfer station in Highlands.

Steel Cans and Aerosol Cans:

Rinse the cans and remove any plastic lids before recycling. Metal lids are recyclable. Aerosol cans must be empty before being recycled. Larger steel items and white goods can be disposed of in the metal pile at the Macon County, NC landfill in Franklin, NC or at the transfer station in Highlands, NC

White Goods and All Other Metals:

Macon County, NC encourages the recycling of white goods such as refrigerators, stoves, microwave ovens, washing machines, dryers, and air conditioners. These items, along with other metal materials, can be conveniently recycled at the Macon County landfill or the transfer station in Highlands, NC. To ensure safe recycling, when bringing refrigerators and air conditioners to the landfill, please place them in the designated area behind the Recycling Processing Center (RPC). This separation is necessary to remove chlorinated fluorocarbons (HFC), commonly known as Freon, before recycling the metal components.

Electronics Waste:

The Macon County, NC Solid Waste Department accepts a wide range of electronics for recycling at the Materials Recovery Facility located at the Macon County Landfill in Franklin, NC and the Highlands, NC Transfer Station. Accepted items include televisions, computer towers, monitors, peripherals, copiers, fax machines, VCRs, DVD players, and any other devices with circuit boards and power cords. It’s important to note that televisions and computers are banned from disposal in North Carolina. Tipping fees may apply to electronic waste to cover the cost of handling and packing. Rest assured, Macon County uses an R2 Certified company for the processing of electronic waste, ensuring responsible and secure recycling practices.

Used Oil and Used Antifreeze:

Used oil and used antifreeze are classified as toxic hazardous wastes and require proper disposal. If you are a non-commercial source, you can safely dispose of these materials at the Franklin, NC landfill, the Highlands transfer station, or select convenience centers, including Otto, Scaly Mountain, and Nantahala, NC. When disposing of oil and/or antifreeze, please place them in separate containers provided at the landfill, transfer station, or convenience center (excluding Nantahala Junaluska, NC which only accepts closed labeled containers).

Used Cooking Oil:

Do you have used cooking oil to dispose of? Good news! You can recycle it at either the landfill in Franklin, NC or the transfer station in Highlands, NC. Simply pour the used cooking oil into the designated storage container at either site. If you need assistance locating the container, feel free to ask the attendant on duty.

Used Tires:

To responsibly dispose of used tires, you have several options. Visit the landfill in Franklin, NC, the Transfer Station in Highlands, or the convenience centers in Nantahala, NC. However, it’s crucial to remove tires from their wheel rims before disposal. Rest assured, old tire rims are recycled as used metal, contributing to a more sustainable waste management system.

Used Car and Truck Batteries:

Used lead-acid batteries, commonly found in cars and trucks, can be left at the Franklin, NC landfill, the Highlands, NC transfer station, or the convenience centers in Nantahala, NC. Be sure to place the batteries in the designated location at each center, promoting safe recycling practices for these potentially hazardous materials.

Used Paint:

Macon County, NC Solid Waste Management strictly adheres to state regulations, and wet liquid paint is not accepted. If you have leftover latex paint, consider utilizing it for other projects or follow these steps to dry it out for proper disposal. Remove the lid and expose the paint can to the air, ensuring rain cannot reach the open can. Alternatively, you can add cat litter or an absorbent material like oil-dry to speed up the drying process. Once the paint is completely dry, you can recycle the metal can at the Franklin, NC landfill or transfer station. Alternatively, you may dispose of it as ordinary waste. Remember that oil-based paint is considered toxic waste and cannot be disposed of in landfills. Be sure to use it up and then recycle the metal can at the landfill or transfer station.

Rechargeable Batteries:

All types of sealed rechargeable batteries, except for alkaline batteries, are accepted for recycling at the convenience centers throughout Macon County, NC. To ensure proper recycling, please hand over all rechargeable batteries to the attendant at the center for appropriate storage and disposal. By recycling batteries, you contribute to minimizing hazardous materials in landfills and protecting the environment.

Printer Cartridges:

At our convenience centers, we now accept all printer cartridges, ranging from ink jet to laser units, for recycling. When visiting the center, kindly give the cartridges to the attendant on duty. This allows for their proper recycling, reducing waste and conserving valuable resources.

Cell Phones and iPods:

If you have used cell phones or iPods that you no longer need, please bring them to any of our convenience centers. These electronic devices contain valuable materials that can be recycled. However, it’s important to ensure that the batteries are included when recycling each unit. Hand over the devices to the attendant on duty, who will ensure their appropriate recycling.

Backyard Composting and Grasscycling:

In addition to traditional recycling efforts, we encourage you to consider backyard composting and grasscycling. Composting organic waste from your yard and kitchen scraps not only reduces landfill waste but also produces nutrient-rich compost for your garden. If you need assistance getting started or general information, please contact the Macon County Solid Waste Department or Mr. Alan Durden of the Macon County North Carolina Agricultural Extension Service. They will be more than happy to provide guidance and answer any questions you may have.

Pallets, Brush, Leaves, and Stumps:

When it comes to the responsible disposal of pallets, brush, leaves, and stumps, you have two options. You can take them to the landfill in Franklin, NC or the transfer station in Highlands, NC. By choosing the appropriate disposal sites, you contribute to efficient waste management and ensure these materials are handled properly.

Conclusion:

As residents of Macon County, North Carolina, we have a shared responsibility to protect our environment through responsible waste management. For more information on proper recycling be sure to check out the Macon County, NC Website or visit them at their office in downtown Franklin, NC.